“We’d better not,” he murmurs.
“But I miss it,” I whisper. “Kissing you. Being with you.”
“I miss it too, trust me.” He plants his lips on the top of my forehead and stands. Defeated, I slouch back, staring ahead. “Get some rest,” he tells me, sitting on the chair. But I don’t need it. I am a little tired, but I slept for nearly twelve hours straight yesterday. The last thing I want to do is sleep but I know that weary feeling will soon set in, so I slide beneath the blanket and turn my back to him.
I want to be angry, but I have to put myself in his shoes. He doesn’t know what to do. He just knows he doesn’t want to lose me. Trust me, I get it. Our life as one had just begun and now it’s coming to an end.
I don’t know when I fall asleep but when I wake up, the windows are open, the sun is shining through the window, and John is sitting next to my bed with a smile and fresh clothes on.
At the door is my expected surprise, Tessa. She unfolds her arms as she comes rushing my way.
“Shanny!” She eases her arms around me, making sure not to cause any pain or harm. She hugs me a little harder than expected, most likely assuming I’m the same weight I was during her last visit.
Wrong.
I’ve lost so much more. I don’t even look like myself anymore. By the way she pulls back and looks me over as casually as possible, her eyes slightly worried, I know that’s exactly what she’s thinking. Strange, we have many differences but I can always read her mind.
“Hey! When did you get in town?” I ask as she pulls a chair up to sit next to me.
“I got here around midnight. John met me so I could drop my things off at the house.”
“I’m so glad you’re here. How do you think you did on finals?”
“Ugh.” She rolls her eyes. “I don’t know. I just know I studied my ass off and did my best. Can’t be too bad, right?” She shrugs, biting into her bottom lip.
“I’m sure you did great.”
“Where’s Danny?” John asks, as if he doesn’t already know.
“Louisville for work. He’ll be back next Saturday.” She beams at him, almost like she’s waiting for him to say or ask something else. John looks at her, unable to hide his smile.
My forehead creases. “Um…is there something I’m missing right now?” I ask, laughing a little. “Why are you two smiling like that?”
“Go ahead, John! Tell her!” Tessa insists, waving her hand in his direction.
I look at John who seems hesitant.
“Oh for goodness sake,” Tessa gripes. “Do you want me to tell her? It’s no big deal—I mean it is a big deal, but I can tell her if you want me to.”
“No.” He shakes his head. “I got it.”
My eyebrows draw together as he looks at me and sighs. “So, I took what you said last night into consideration. When you fell asleep I went to talk to Dr. David and at first he wasn’t too lenient, but after about an hour of guarantees, he’s agreed to discharge you, assign you a new doctor who can visit the house, and have you spend your days at home.”
My heart catches speed and my eyes pool with instant tears. “Oh my God.” I sit forward. “You’re serous?”
“I’m serious. I’ve already hired the doctor that Dr. David highly recommended. He will come by the house every day and a certified nurse will be coming a few weeks later, once we’re settled.”
Tessa claps like a trained seal, maybe just a tad bit more excited than I am. “Yay! You need this!” she cheers. “You deserve to be at home, a place where you’re most comfortable. I’m part of the reason John went to go talk to the doctor, you know? I told him ‘Listen, man, you need to do whatever my sister wants right now.’ Basically slapped some sense into him.”
I laugh, fighting tears. Damn my pride. “You guys…you seriously didn’t have to.”
“Yes, babe, we did,” John murmurs. “I heard you last night and the last thing I want is for you to be unhappy. I was too worried about what I wanted and not worried enough about what you want.” He cups my face, kissing the center of my forehead. When he pulls away, he says, “I’ll go speak with Dr. David, let him know you’re awake and that we’ll need to be discharged soon.”
“Damn right.” Tessa purses her lips and cocks her head as John opens the door. “Tell him to hurry the hell up. Shannon really needs a manicure.” She picks up my hand, looking at my cuticles with disgust.
I snatch my hand away, flipping her the bird and laughing. When John is gone, Tessa and I talk about her finals, and as we do, my phone buzzes on the table.